The Museum of Confluences

The Natural History Museum Musée des Confluences is an architectural gem in Lyon, located at the confluence of the city's famous rivers. At the southern end of the peninsula, between the Rhône and the Saône, this construction, often compared to the Millennium Falcon, surprises with its deconstructivist architecture. Directed by Hélène Lafont-Couturier and designed by Wolf d. Prix and Coop Himmelb(l)au, this 5,000-square-meter space houses an eclectic collection of 2.2 million objects, covering fields as diverse as earth, life, social sciences, and technology, to name a few. Despite delays and political wrangling during its construction, this museum has become a must-see attraction in Lyon since its opening in 2014, attracting over 823,000 visitors in 2015.

The Journey Through Human History

Inside the Musée des Confluences, a captivating journey awaits visitors, delving into the history of humanity and life on Earth. The permanent and temporary exhibitions highlight Inuit, Aboriginal, Chinese, and Asian cultures, offering a reflection on the origins of the universe, from the Big Bang to contemporary science. Fascinating objects such as meteorites, ammonites, giant mammoths, and creatures from the Jurassic era capture the imagination. Man is placed at the center of biodiversity, exploring the mechanisms of human evolution and our place among other animal species.

An Architectural Odyssey

Although the museum's architecture was the result of much controversy and took much longer than expected to be completed, it nevertheless managed to establish itself in the Lyon landscape. Designed without a center, without apparent symmetry, it defies classical architectural conventions, sparking debates on the role of architecture in the representation of the collections it houses. The Musée des Confluences is today a symbol of the city, demonstrating that its unique architecture and captivating exhibitions are well worth the detour.

Tips for a Memorable Visit

  • Panoramic view : Climb to the roof to enjoy a breathtaking view of Lyon, from the colorful buildings to the Alpine horizon, passing by the upside-down elephant and the struggle of the two rivers.
  • Convenient Transportation : Opt for the metro or tram to easily access the museum. By car, plan to park at the Halle Tony Garnier car park to avoid hassle.
  • Gastronomic Discovery : End your visit by enjoying an exquisite meal at the Brasserie des Confluences or the Comptoir Gourmand, two Michelin-starred restaurants run by Lassausaie and Pignol.

Good to know

Digital guides, headphones and maps are available in English, French, Italian and Spanish to enrich your experience when visiting this unique place.

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Map of the must-sees

Rosa Mir Garden

The Court of the Voracious

Bellevue Square

The Gardens of the Grande-Côte

Place des Jacobins

Chapel of the Trinity

Saint-Georges district

The Basilica of Ainay

Saint-Nizier Church

International City

Amphitheater of the Three Gauls

Saint Bonaventure Church

Statue of Saint Exupéry

Saint-Antoine Food Market

St. John's Cathedral

Hotel-Dieu of Lyon

The traboules of Old Lyon

Printing Museum

The Museum of Confluences

St. Peter's Palace

The Bartholdi Fountain

The Fresco of the Lyonnais

The painted walls

Merciere Street

Lyon Opera

Light Institute

The Confluence

Old Lyon

Golden Head Park

Place des Terreaux

Bellecour Square

The Gadagne Museum

The Canuts' house

Ancient Theatre of Fourvière

Banks of the Rhone

Museum of Fine Arts

The Paul Bocuse Halls

Our Lady of Fourviere

The Banks of the Saône

Climbs of the Croix-Rousse

Brotteaux district

Lyon Aquarium

Barbe Island

CHRD - resistance museum

Brochier Silk Museum

Guignol Theatre of the Park

Little Guignol Museum

The House of Guignol

Mini World Lyon

The Cinema Museum

Fourvière Museum

Subsistences

Other places

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Pierre Bossan

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